best Alternatives to infoblox
PureVPNAlternativesTop 10 Infoblox Alternatives for DNS, DHCP & IPAM (DDI) Security

Infoblox provides enterprise-grade DDI (DNS, DHCP, IPAM) services with powerful DNS firewalling, visibility, and automation. Yet many businesses are shifting to more flexible or cost-effective DDI solutions, especially as network security, hybrid deployment, and compliance become top priorities.

If you’re looking for DNS-layer threat defense, open-source IPAM, or cloud-native DNS resolution, here are 10 powerful Infoblox alternatives.

How to Choose the Right Infoblox Alternative?

When selecting the right Infoblox alternative, you need to look for the balance in network security, scalability, and operational fit. While all DDI platforms offer DNS, DHCP, and IPAM to some degree, their strengths suit various environments, budgets, and use cases. Here’s what we should look out for:

1. Assess Your Infrastructure Complexity

Single-site or SMBs may not need enterprise-grade DNS firewalls or global redundancy. Lightweight tools like Microsoft DNS or phpIPAM might be sufficient. Multi-site or hybrid cloud environments benefit from overlay platforms like Men&Mice Micetro or BlueCat, which support integration with AWS, Azure, and on-prem networks.

2. Prioritize Security Requirements

If DNS-layer threat protection is critical, focus on solutions with DNS firewalling, DNSSEC, and support for encrypted protocols (DoH, DoT), such as:

  1. EfficientIP
  2. Cisco Umbrella
  3. Cloudflare Gateway
  4. Look for platforms with real-time analytics, RPZ (Response Policy Zones), and SIEM integration.

3. Evaluate Deployment Model Compatibility

Choose a cloud-native or SaaS-based solution (like NS1 or Akamai) if you want minimal hardware and fast global performance. Select on-prem or hybrid options (like BlueCat or PowerDNS) for granular control and compliance in regulated industries.

4. Consider Automation & Integration Needs

Platforms like NS1 Connect or Men&Mice Micetro offer robust API-first designs, ideal for DevOps, IaC (Infrastructure as Code), and CI/CD environments. Evaluate if the DDI solution integrates with tools like Ansible, Terraform, Active Directory, or your security stack (e.g., firewalls, NAC).

5. Examine Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Factor in licensing fees, support contracts, hardware, and staffing for self-hosted solutions. Open-source stacks like BIND9 + phpIPAM reduce cost but increase maintenance overhead. Some vendors offer subscription-based pricing with full support, which may lower operational risk.

6. Look for Vendor Support and Update Cycles

Enterprise vendors like BlueCat, EfficientIP, and Cisco provide 24/7 support, security patching, and roadmap visibility. Open-source tools require internal expertise for updates, security hardening, and issue resolution.

Summary Checklist

Infoblox replacement isn’t just about matching features; you must consider your security posture, infrastructure goals, and future growth. 

FactorLook For
SecurityDNSSEC, RPZ, malware filtering, DoH/DoT
ScalabilityMulti-cloud and hybrid support
AutomationREST APIs, CI/CD, policy templates
ComplianceLogging, RBAC, DNS auditing
BudgetSubscription vs. perpetual license vs. open-source
IntegrationAD, cloud DNS, SIEM, NAC, firewalls

Best Infoblox Alternatives Worth Choosing

Keeping in mind the above factors, you can opt for the given Infoblox alternatives.

1. BlueCat

BlueCat offers an enterprise-grade DNS security with contextual policy enforcement, threat intelligence integration, and full visibility into hybrid environments. It’s ideal for large organizations that need policy-based automation.

ProsCons
Context-aware DNS policy enforcementHigh licensing cost
Deep integration with SIEM and NAC toolsComplex initial configuration
Full IPAM + DHCP + DNS stackMay be overkill for small networks

2. Microsoft DNS with IPAM (Windows Server)

For Windows-based environments, Microsoft’s built-in DNS and IPAM tools offer seamless AD integration, easy DNS management, and basic IP address tracking.

ProsCons
Built into Windows ServerNo DNS threat intelligence or analytics
Ideal for AD and Group Policy environmentsLimited multi-cloud compatibility
No extra licensing for existing environmentsManual IP conflict management

3. EfficientIP SOLIDserver

EfficientIP prioritizes DNS firewalling, DNSSEC, and threat visibility. It offers high availability, metadata-enriched IPAM, and support for DNS over TLS/HTTPS.

ProsCons
Built-in DNS firewall and DNS tunneling detectionHigher learning curve
Secure DNS protocol support (DoT, DoH)UI can feel dense for first-time users
Fully integrated IPAM/DHCP/DNSLess brand recognition vs. Infoblox

4. Men&Mice Micetro

Micetro is a powerful overlay solution that centralizes control over existing Microsoft, BIND, and cloud DNS services. It’s API-first, scalable, and supports decentralized access control.

ProsCons
Vendor-agnostic DDI overlayUI not as modern as competitors
API-first architecture with strong automationFewer built-in DNS security features
Great for multi-cloud and hybrid DNSSmaller partner ecosystem

5. Akamai Edge DNS

Akamai Edge DNS uses a globally distributed Anycast network to provide ultra-resilient, secure DNS resolution with DDoS protection and minimal latency.

ProsCons
Global Anycast with high resilienceNo DHCP or IPAM functionality
Built-in DNSSEC and DNS filteringLimited policy control
DDoS protection at DNS layerEnterprise pricing may be restrictive

6. NS1 Connect

NS1 focuses on smart DNS automation, traffic steering, and integration with modern DevOps pipelines. It’s programmable and supports automated failover.

ProsCons
DNS-based application traffic controlWeak DHCP/IPAM coverage
Strong API and CI/CD integrationsRequires technical DevOps familiarity
Supports DNS filtering & analyticsAdvanced features behind premium tiers

7. Cisco Umbrella (DNS Security)

Cisco Umbrella offers DNS-layer security with advanced threat detection and global coverage. It’s ideal for securing users, especially remote and roaming endpoints.

ProsCons
DNS-based threat blockingNot a full DDI platform
Cloud-managed, no hardware neededLacks deep IPAM/DHCP tools
Rapid deployment across devicesSome analytics are behind the higher tiers

8. BIND9 + phpIPAM (Open Source Stack)

This open-source combination provides highly customizable DNS and IPAM capabilities. Ideal for organizations that want transparency and cost-efficiency without vendor lock-in.

ProsCons
Fully open-source and freeManual updates and patching
Flexible for custom deploymentsNo native DNS firewalling
Large community supportRequires in-house DNS/IPAM expertise

9. PowerDNS + NetBox

PowerDNS is a modular, security-oriented DNS server with DNSSEC, RPZ, and API access. Combined with NetBox for IPAM and infrastructure modeling, it’s a strong open-source DDI alternative.

ProsCons
Strong DNS security (DNSSEC, RPZ)Requires integration/setup effort
NetBox adds detailed infra modelingNot plug-and-play like Infoblox
Full API access and automationNo commercial support unless self-hosted enterprise version used

10. Cloudflare MagicDNS + Gateway

Cloudflare offers secure, encrypted DNS (DoH, DoT) with global performance and DNS-layer malware filtering. MagicDNS plus Gateway enforces policies and traffic rules without needing appliances.

ProsCons
Zero Trust DNS filteringNo native IPAM/DHCP
DNSSEC, DoH, DoT enabled by defaultPolicy management is DNS-only
Fast global propagation via CDNMay not support granular DDI needs

Comparative Pricing Table

Here’s how you can evaluate budget alignment before committing to a DDI solution.

PlatformPricing (Starting)Licensing TypeNotable Inclusions
BlueCatCustom/Quote-basedEnterprise licenseFull DDI + DNS firewall
Microsoft DNS/IPAMIncluded in Windows ServerPer-core/ServerNative to Windows environments
EfficientIP SOLIDserverQuote-basedEnterprise licenseDNSSEC, IPAM, DNS firewall
Men&Mice MicetroCustom pricingSubscriptionMulti-vendor DDI control
Akamai Edge DNS$450+/month (est.)Usage-basedAnycast DNS, DDoS protection
NS1 Connect$300+/month (est.)SaaS licenseProgrammable DNS, traffic steering
Cisco Umbrella$2.70/user/month (DNS Essentials)SaaS licenseDNS-layer security
BIND9 + phpIPAMFreeOpen-sourceCustom DNS/IPAM deployments
PowerDNS + NetBoxFree (community) or support tierOpen-sourceDNSSEC, IPAM with modeling
Cloudflare GatewayFree basic tier / $7+/user/monthSaaSDNS filtering, DoH, Zero Trust

Can I use open-source tools like BIND and phpIPAM securely?

Yes, BIND9 and phpIPAM can be secure if properly configured. You must ensure:

  1. Regular patching
  2. DNSSEC is enabled
  3. Logging and ACLs are in place
  4. You’re hosting in a secure environment

Also Read: Alternatives & Competitors to Perimeter 81

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Infoblox alternative works best in multi-cloud environments?

Men&Mice Micetro and NS1 Connect are excellent for multi-cloud DNS and IPAM orchestration. They support AWS Route 53, Azure DNS, and Google Cloud DNS with automation, role-based access control, and API integration.

What is the most affordable Infoblox replacement?

The most cost-effective alternative is the BIND9 + phpIPAM open-source stack. If you need vendor support with budget control, Microsoft DNS or HIDIVE (for very small IPAM needs) also work well in tightly scoped networks.

Can I replace Infoblox with Cisco Umbrella?

Cisco Umbrella is a great DNS security solution but not a full DDI replacement. It’s best used for protecting user DNS queries with malware detection and threat blocking, especially in remote or hybrid environments.

Does Cloudflare offer full DDI services like Infoblox?

No, Cloudflare MagicDNS + Gateway focuses solely on DNS-layer security and encrypted resolution. It does not manage DHCP or IP address assignments. However, it’s excellent for Zero Trust access, malware filtering, and fast global resolution.

Final Thoughts

Infoblox remains a dominant DDI provider, but if you’re looking for more agility, lower cost, or modern security frameworks, you might need a shift. Each solution brings its own strengths and features to integrate with programmable DNS, open-source flexibility, global Anycast and Zero Trust overlays.

author

Arsalan Rashid

date

July 7, 2025

time

3 months ago

A marketing geek turning clicks into customers and data into decisions, chasing ROI like it’s a sport.

Have Your Say!!